Hello Robert,

This tree has begun to leaf-out fairly early, prior to when we experienced a recent hard frost or two overnight. Once hardy plants break dormancy and begin growth, they loose a great deal of the cold-hardiness that protected them over the winter. This is the reason many plants that leaf-out early succumb to damage if temperatures dip back to (or below) freezing, even if it had been colder earlier that winter. Given the timing and sudden appearance of this damage, that is the most likely cause here. As such, there is nothing you can do except to monitor the tree for watering needs going forward (as per normal tree care later in the year, but dry conditions in cold weather could make plants more vulnerable to cold damage). While the tree is still young and easy to reach, it wouldn't hurt to try to protect remaining tender growth from future late-season frosts (if forecast), though of course this measure will be impractical as the plant matures. "Frost blankets" and floating row covers used for this purpose may not work as well on a tree, though, since they are meant to be used on low-growing annuals or vegetables, anchored to the ground to help trap radiant warmth from the soil. Though you can gently secure this material to the tree's trunk, it's not going to retain as much warmth. If you experiment with this, be sure to remove the covering as soon as the temperatures are above freezing again so the leaves get the light and airflow they need to stay healthy.

One other cause for sudden leaf wilting/death is damage to the sapwood in the trunk - in the case of a tree surrounded by lawn, this usually comes as a result of inadequate protection from accidental mower (or string trimmer) strikes. If sapwood is cut in this fashion, it cannot supply moisture and nutrients to the foliage above, which will collapse and desiccate. This is easily avoided with protective measures like using a ring of mulch around the trunk (but not touching the trunk) to keep the turf far enough away. This is not the most likely explanation for your symptoms, since not all tips seem affected and the damage looks more scattered, but it is something to be aware of going forward in case any preventative measures need to be taken.

Miri

Many thanks for your assistance. I especially appreciate you taking the time to explain about the possiblities and likeley scenarios, and what may have caused them. I will keep a watchful eye on the weather, the lawn mower (I do not use string fish cords, but a standard electric mower--and the tree has a mulch-ring) as well as possibly using warmers should the temperature fall below zero.

Frankly, I'm excited to know that this is likely not an infestation of some type.

Will write back in a few week with an update. Thank you. R